Collapsible cargo organizer

ABSTRACT

An organizer for holding and organizing cargo comprises a case and a collapsible wall. The case comprises two hinged case components that are adapted to contain the collapsible wall. The collapsible wall comprises at least two end walls and at least one side wall. Each side wall can include two or more side wall panels that can be pivotally joined together. The collapsible wall is configurable into a generally rectangular-in-plan-view open configuration, or a generally flat, collapsed configuration. Together, the case and the collapsible wall form an open-top bin for holding cargo. One or more restraining poles can be used to assist in securing cargo. The collapsible wall can be set to the collapsed configuration and stored in the case along with the pole(s). The case can then be placed in the closed position, whereupon the organizer is contained within the closed case, facilitating storage and transport thereof.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/381,393, entitled “Collapsible Cargo Organizer” and filed onMay 3, 2006, which is specifically incorporated herein by reference forall that it discloses and teaches.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates generally to the field of vehicle cargoorganizers and in particular to a collapsible vehicle cargo organizer.

BACKGROUND

When transporting cargo, such as groceries, sporting equipment, or thelike in a vehicle, cargo holders and organizers can keep such items fromtipping over and generally keep the cargo from rolling around duringtransit or otherwise becoming unorganized. Some vehicles includebuilt-in organizers. However, such built-in organizers can not berelocated within the vehicle, nor can they be moved between vehicles,removed from the vehicle, etc. Thus, there is a need for a vehicle cargoorganizer that is compact, easy to setup, and can be relocated quickly.

In its simplest form, a standard crate may be used as a cargo organizer.However, a non-collapsible crate is difficult to store since it does notcollapse into a convenient configuration when not in use. Further,standard crates, such as milk crates for example, are not easilyconfigured to accommodate cargo of varying sizes as the need arises. Forexample, a two liter bottle of soda will roll around inside a milk crateas a vehicle maneuvers. Furthermore, standard crates do not adequatelycontain messy cargo such as muddy shoes, dirty sports equipment, orleaking liquids.

Yet, even collapsible crates, such as that taught in U.S. Pat. No.6,386,365 to Tan on May 14, 2002, are not necessarily easy to transportand store in their collapsed configurations, nor are they designed to beable to hold and contain liquids and other messy cargo. Such collapsiblecrate devices make no provision for easily carrying the device whencollapsed. Further, such devices also have the drawback that they do notaccommodate or adapt to cargo of varying sizes.

Other collapsible cargo organizers, such as those taught in U.S. Pat.No. 6,623,059 to Gehring et al. on Sep. 23, 2003; US Patent Application2003/0062233 to Sharples on Apr. 3, 2003; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,938,807 toVictor on Sep. 6, 2005; have similar drawbacks. For example, noprovision is made to easily retain cargo items of varying sizes in suchitems. Further, such devices do not collapse down into an extremelycompact case that is easy to transport. Still further, such devices arenot well designed for stability in a moving vehicle, for example.

Clearly, then, there is a need for a cargo organizer that is extremelyeasy to set-up and knock-down. Such a needed device should allow theuser to securely transport cargo items of varying sizes, and should bestable within a moving vehicle. A user should be able to quickly andeasily remove the cargo organizer and relocate it to another vehicle, agarage, house, etc. Further, such a needed device should be relativelystrong and yet inexpensive to manufacture. The present inventionaccomplishes these objectives.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present invention described and claimed hereinaddress the foregoing limitations and problems by providing acollapsible cargo organizer. The organizer is designed to hold andorganize cargo, such as filled grocery bags, store-bought products,swimming accessories, sports gear, automotive accessories, etc.

In one embodiment, a collapsible cargo organizer comprises a case and acollapsible wall component. In the organizer's collapsed configuration,the case holds the collapsed collapsible wall component. The casecomprises two case components, each of which includes a base that has aplurality of upwardly extending side edges that form a relatively shortbulwark wall at the periphery of each base. Together, each bulwark walland base form an open-top, three dimensional shape; in a preferredembodiment, the shape is a rectangular box. Each bulwark wall comprisesa number of short walls; in a preferred embodiment, there are four: ahinge short wall, a first end short wall, an outside short wall, and asecond end short wall.

The hinge short walls of the case components are designed to attach toeach other. The means of attaching the case components can include amutually-cooperating hinge attached to the tops of both hinge shortwalls. When the case components are in their closed position, a latchingmeans can be utilized to securely close the organizer in its collapsedconfiguration. When fully opened, wherein one case component is rotatedsubstantially 180 degrees about the hinge, or other attachment means,the case forms a two-part base that can support the extended collapsiblewall component

The organizer further includes a collapsible wall component thatcomprises at least two end walls and two side walls. Each wall isgenerally rectangular in shape and includes an upper edge, a lower edge,a left edge, a right edge, an inside surface, and an outside surface.Each wall can be attached on its left edge to the wall on its left andon its right edge to the wall on its right. Thus, when the collapsiblewall extension means is fully extended, the walls form a closedgeometrical figure when viewed from above in a top plan view. All theinside surfaces of the walls form the inside of the geometrical figurewhile the outside surfaces of the walls form the outside of thegeometrical figure.

In the preferred four-wall configuration, the resulting geometricalfigure that is formed is a rectangle. In such a configuration, whenexamined from inside the rectangle, the left edge of the first end wallabuts the right edge of the first side wall; the left edge of the firstside wall abuts the right edge of the second end wall; the left edge ofthe second end wall abuts the right edge of the second side wall; andthe left edge of the second side wall abuts the right edge of the firstend wall.

In one embodiment, the collapsible wall component can be configured asfollows. A portion of the collapsible wall component is contained withineach case component. In regards to the first case component, the loweredge of the first end wall is rotatably attached to the first outsideshort wall such that the first end wall can be stowed inside the firstcase component, or it can be rotated up substantially ninety degrees tostand perpendicular to the base. In regards to the second casecomponent, the lower edge of the second end wall is rotatably attachedto the second outside short wall such that the second end wall can bestowed inside the second case component, or it can be rotated upsubstantially ninety degrees to stand approximately perpendicular to thebase. In order to extend the collapsible wall, both end walls arerotated up so that they stand substantially perpendicular to thetwo-part base. The first side wall is rotatably attached to the firstend wall such that, with the first end wall in its perpendicularorientation, the first side wall can be swung out substantially ninetydegrees to extend between the first end wall and the second end wall.The second side wall is rotatably attached to the second end wall suchthat, with the second end wall in its perpendicular orientation, thesecond side wall can be swung out substantially ninety degrees to extendbetween the second end wall and the first end wall. The four walls(i.e., the two end walls and two side walls) thus form a rectangle whenviewed from the top plan view. Together with the two-part base, theextended collapsible wall component forms an open-topped cargoorganizer.

The present invention provides many benefits over the prior art. Thecollapsible cargo organizer is extremely easy to set-up and knock-down.The present invention allows the user to securely transport cargo itemsof varying sizes, and is stable within a moving vehicle. Because of thebulwark wall, each case component is substantially waterproof and canproperly contain liquids and other messy cargos. Furthermore, thepresent device provides for easy transport and storage while in acollapsed configuration, and is relatively inexpensive to manufacture.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The aforementioned and other features and objects of the presentinvention and the manner of attaining them will become more apparent andthe invention itself will be best understood by reference to thefollowing descriptions of a preferred embodiment and other embodimentstaken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of acollapsible cargo organizer, showing a case forming a substantiallysealed enclosure in a closed position;

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of an exemplary embodiment of acollapsible cargo organizer, showing a case in an open position but withthe collapsible wall stored within the case.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of acollapsible cargo organizer, showing a case in an open position with thecollapsible wall partially extended;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of acollapsible cargo organizer, showing a case in an open position with thecollapsible wall mostly extended; and

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of acollapsible cargo organizer, showing a fully extended collapsible wallcontaining cargo that is further restrained through the use of aplurality of relocatable poles.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In one embodiment, a collapsible cargo organizer comprises a case and acollapsible wall component. The organizer can be in a collapsedconfiguration or in a fully assembled configuration. In the collapsedconfiguration, the case is closed around the collapsed collapsible wallcomponent; while in the assembled configuration, the case is laid opento form a substantially flat base with the wall component fully extendedin place above the base to form the cargo organizer's side walls.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of acollapsible cargo organizer 100, showing a case 110 forming asubstantially sealed enclosure in a closed position. In the embodimentshown in FIG. 1, the case 110 has a first case component 120 and asecond case component 130. Also shown in FIG. 1 is a handle 140 a firstlatch 150 and a second latch 156. The case 110 and other componentsshown in FIG. 1 can be made from a molded, rigid plastic. In otherembodiments, other construction materials are contemplated.

The first case component 120 can be shaped as a low, rectangular boxhaving a base 121 that has four downwardly extending side edges: a firstend short wall 122, an outside short wall 123, a second end short wall124, and a hinge short wall 125 (the second end short wall 124 and hingeshort wall 125 are not explicitly shown in FIG. 1, but the second endshort wall 124 is similar to the first end short wall 122 and the hingeshort wall 125 is similar to the outside short wall 123; see FIG. 3,items 324 and 325). The short walls 122, 123, 124, and 125 form arelatively short bulwark wall at the periphery of the base 121.Together, the bulwark wall and base 121 form an open-top, threedimensional shape; in a preferred embodiment, the shape is a rectangularbox. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the rectangular box isoriented upside down and forms the first case component 120.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the second case component 130 isshaped to be quite similar to the first case component 120, such thatthe two case components 120 and 130 can be considered as similar halvesto the case. In other embodiments, the case components 120 and 130 canvary enough to no longer be able to be considered as two similar casehalves. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the second case component 130 can beshaped as a low, rectangular box having a second base 131 (notexplicitly shown in FIG. 1; see FIG. 3, item 331) that has four upwardlyextending side edges: a first end short wall 132, an outside short wall133, a second end short wall 134, and a hinge short wall 135 (the secondend short wall 134 and hinge short wall 135 are not explicitly shown inFIG. 1, but the second end short wall 134 is similar to the first endshort wall 132 and the hinge short wall 135 is similar to the outsideshort wall 133; see FIG. 3, items 334 and 335). The short walls 132,133, 134, and 135 form a relatively short bulwark wall at the peripheryof the base 131. Together, the bulwark wall and base 131 form anopen-top, three dimensional shape; in a preferred embodiment, the shapeis a rectangular box. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, therectangular box forms the second case component 130.

The hinge short walls 125 and 135 of the case components 120 and 130 aredesigned to attach to each other. The means of attaching the casecomponents 120 and 130 can include a mutually-cooperating hinge attachedto the tops of both hinge short walls 125 and 135. When the casecomponents 120 and 130 are in their closed position, a latching means150 and 156 can be utilized to keep the organizer 100 securely closed inits collapsed configuration. When fully opened, wherein the first casecomponent 120 is rotated substantially 180 degrees about the hinge (seeFIG. 2, item 215), or other attachment means, the case forms a two-partbase that can support the extended collapsible wall component (see FIG.2).

In other embodiments, the number of side edges 122, 123, 124, 125, 132,133, 134, and 135 can vary as can the geometric shape of the bases 121and 131. For example, triangular shaped bases 121 and 131 arecontemplated. Such bases 121 and 131 would only require 3 side edges perbase. Other configurations are possible. Furthermore, the shapes andrelative dimensions of the various components can vary from thosedepicted in FIG. 1 without departing from the scope of the invention.

Also shown in FIG. 1 is a handle 140. The handle 140 can be used tograsp and move the organizer 100. Furthermore, tie-downs can be attachedto the handle 140 to further secure the organizer 100 to a vehicle.

FIG. 1 illustrates a first latch 150 and a second latch 156. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 1, each case component 120 and 130 includes alatch means 150 and 156, each having mutually cooperating components.The latch means 150 and 156 may comprise any acceptable means oflatching and unlatching the case 110. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1,each of the latch means 150 and 156 comprises a lever and a catch, suchthat the catch on the second case component 130 is frictionally retainedby the lever on the first case component 120. As such, each lever can bemanually actuated to release the corresponding catch to allow opening ofthe case 110. In another embodiment, the latch means 150 and 156 aredraw latches. In yet other embodiments, the latch means 150 and 156 aredisposed in different locations; for example, on the first end shortwalls and the second end short walls.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of an exemplary embodiment of acollapsible cargo organizer 200, showing a case 210 in an open positionbut with the collapsible wall stored within the case 210. A first casecomponent 220 and a second case component 230 are shown as are first endshort walls 222 and 232.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the handle 240 is split suchthat a portion of the handle 240 is attached to the outside short wall(see FIG. 1, item 123) of the first case component 220 and the remainingportion of the handle 240 is attached to the outside short wall (seeFIG. 1, item 133) of the second case component 230. In otherembodiments, the handle 240 can be configured in other ways; forexample, the entire handle 240 could be offset and attached to only oneof the case components 220 and 230.

Given the side view of FIG. 2, only one of the latch means (see FIG. 1,item 150) is illustrated. And because the case 210 is open, the twocomponents of the latch means, the lever 252 and the catch 254, are notengaged with one another. As discussed above, in other embodiments,other latch means are contemplated.

The first case component 220 is attached to the second case component230 in FIG. 2 by a mutually-cooperating hinge 215. Hinge support blocks217 keep the opened case components 220 and 230 at approximately onehundred and eighty degrees relative to each other. The hinge 215 allowsthe case components 220 and 230 to rotate relative to each other suchthat the case can be placed in a closed configuration with the firstcase component 220 resting generally on top of the second case component230; and, by rotating the first case component 220 one hundred andeighty degrees about the hinge 215, the case 210 is placed in an openconfiguration with the case components 220 and 230 positioned as shownin FIG. 2.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of acollapsible cargo organizer 300, showing a case 310 in an openconfiguration with a collapsible wall 360 partially extended. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 3, the case 310 has a first case component 320and a second case component 330. Also shown in FIG. 3 is a handle 340, afirst latch means 352 and 354 and a second latch means 356 and 358.

The first case component 320 is illustrated in FIG. 3 as a low,rectangular box having a base 321 that has four upwardly extending sideedges: a first end short wall 322, an outside short wall 323, a secondend short wall 324, and a hinge short wall 325 (the hinge short wall 325is not explicitly shown in FIG. 3, but the hinge short wall 325 issimilar to the outside short wall 323). The base 321 is shown having agrid pattern on its inside surface. The grid helps to strengthen thebase 321 as well as providing a gripping surface for cargo placedthereon. In other embodiments, the grid differs or is not used. Theshort walls 322, 323, 324, and 325 form a relatively short bulwark wallat the periphery of the base 321. Together, the bulwark wall and base321 form an open-top, three dimensional shape; in a preferredembodiment, the shape is a rectangular box. In the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 3, the rectangular box forms the first casecomponent 320.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the second case component 330 can be shaped asa low, rectangular box having a second base 331 that has four upwardlyextending side edges: a first end short wall 332, an outside short wall333, a second end short wall 334, and a hinge short wall 335. The base331 is shown having a grid pattern on its inside surface. The grid helpsto strengthen the base 331 as well as providing a gripping surface forcargo placed thereon. In other embodiments, the grid differs or is notused. The short walls 332, 333, 334, and 335 form a relatively shortbulwark wall at the periphery of the base 331. Together, the bulwarkwall and base 331 form an open-top, three dimensional shape; in apreferred embodiment, the shape is a rectangular box.

Also shown in FIG. 3 is a handle 340. The handle 340 can be used tograsp and move the organizer 300. Furthermore, tie-downs can be attachedto the handle 340 to further secure the organizer 300 to a vehicle.

FIG. 3 illustrates a first latch means 352 and 354 and a second latchmeans 356 and 358. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, each casecomponent 320 and 330 includes a latch means 352, 354, 356, and 358.

The exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3 is shown with thecollapsible wall 360 only partly extended. As such, only the end walls362 and 366 are visible in FIG. 3. Beginning with the first casecomponent 320, the lower edge of the first end wall 362 can be rotatablyattached to the first case component 320 such that the first end wall362 can be stowed inside the first case component 320, or it can berotated up substantially ninety degrees to stand generally perpendicularto the first case component 320. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, asimple rotation means can be utilized to mount the first end wall 362 tothe first case component 320, although it is not depicted. In anotherembodiment, the first end wall 362 is attached to the first casecomponent 320 using a plurality of clips attached to the short outsidewall 323 that grip the wire frame of the first end wall 362 and allow itto rotate. In yet another embodiment, the first end wall 362 isrotatably attached to the short end walls 322 and 324 of the first casecomponent 320 using a mounting hole in each of the short end walls 322and 324 and pins extending from each bottom corner of the first end wall362 that rest within the mounting holes and allow the first end wall 362to rotate up and down. Also, the pins could extend from the short endwalls 322 and 324 and they could engage holes in the first end wall 362.In other embodiments, other mounting means are contemplated includingremovably mounting the first end wall 362 such that it can be completelyremoved from contact with the first case component 320.

Turning now to the second case component 330, the lower edge of thesecond end wall 366 is rotatably attached to the second case component330 such that the second end wall 366 can be stowed inside the secondcase component 330, or it can be rotated up substantially ninety degreesto stand generally perpendicular to the second case component 330. Inthe embodiment shown in FIG. 3, a simple rotation means can be utilizedto mount the second end wall 366 to the second case component 330,although it is not depicted. In another embodiment, the second end wall366 can be attached to the second case component 330 using a pluralityof clips attached to the short outside wall 333 that grip the wire frameof the second end wall 366 and allow it to rotate. In yet anotherembodiment, the second end wall 366 is rotatably attached to the shortend walls 332 and 334 of the second case component 330 using a mountinghole in each of the short end walls 332 and 334 and pins extending fromeach bottom corner of the second end wall 366 that rest within themounting holes and allow the second end wall 366 to rotate up and down.Also, the pins could extend out from the short end walls 332 and 334 andcould engage holes in the second end wall 366. In other embodiments,other mounting means are contemplated including removably mounting thesecond end wall 366 such that it can be completely removed from contactwith the second case component 330.

In order to extend the collapsible wall 360, both end walls 362 and 366are rotated up so that they stand substantially perpendicular to thebase components 321 and 331. The final steps necessary for extending thecollapsible wall 360 are described in the detailed description of FIG.4. The end walls 362 and 366 can be made of rigid plastic, metal, wireframe covered with fabric, or any other suitable material.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of acollapsible cargo organizer 400, showing the case components 420 and 430in an open position with the collapsible wall 460 partially extended. Inthe embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the case 410 has a first case component420 and a second case component 430. Also shown in FIG. 4 is a handle440, a first latch means 454 and a second latch means 458.

The first case component 420 is illustrated in FIG. 4 as a low,rectangular box having a base 421 that has four upwardly extending sideedges: a first end short wall 422, an outside short wall 423, a secondend short wall 424, and a hinge short wall 425 (the hinge short wall 425is not explicitly shown in FIG. 4, but the hinge short wall 425 issimilar to the outside short wall 423).

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the second case component 430 can be shaped asa low, rectangular box having a second base 431 that has four upwardlyextending side edges: a first end short wall 432, an outside short wall433, a second end short wall 434, and a hinge short wall 435.

Also shown in FIG. 4 is a handle 340. The handle 340 can be used tograsp and move the organizer 400. A component of a first latch 454 and acomponent of a second latch 458 are illustrated in FIG. 4.

The exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4 is shown with thecollapsible wall 460 only partly extended. The end walls 462 and 466 arevisible in their upright, extended configuration while the side walls464 and 468 are visible in their partially extended configuration.

In order to fully extend the collapsible wall 460, both end walls 462and 466 are rotated up into the upright configuration shown in FIG. 4 sothat they stand substantially perpendicular to the case 410. The firstside wall 464 is rotatably attached to the first end wall 462 such that,with the first end wall 460 in its upright orientation, the first sidewall 464 can be swung out substantially ninety degrees to extend betweenthe first end wall 462 and the second end wall 466. In an alternateembodiment, the first side wall 464 is disposed on the other side of thefirst end wall 462 while in the stored position, such that it must beswung out two hundred and seventy degrees to extend between the firstend wall 462 and the second end wall 466. The second side wall 468 isrotatably attached to the second end wall 466 such that, with the secondend wall 466 in its upright orientation, the second side wall 468 can beswung out substantially ninety degrees to extend between the second endwall 466 and the first end wall 462. In an alternate embodiment, thesecond side wall 466 is disposed on the other side of the second endwall 466 while in the stored position, such that it must be swung outtwo hundred and seventy degrees to extend between the second end wall466 and the first end wall 462. The four walls 462, 464, 466, and 468thus form a rectangle when viewed from the top plan view. Together withthe two-part base 421 and 431, the extended collapsible wall component460 forms an open-topped cargo organizer 400. As with the end walls 462and 466, the side walls 464 and 468 can be made of rigid plastic, metal,wire frame covered with fabric, or any other suitable material.

In one embodiment, any simple rotation means known in the art can beutilized to mount the first side wall 464 to the first end wall 462. Forexample, the first side wall 464 can be attached to the first end wall462 using a plurality of clips attached to the first end wall 462 thatgrip the wire frame (or some other grip points) of the first side wall464 and allow it to rotate. In other embodiments, other mounting meansare contemplated including removably mounting the first side wall 464such that it can be completely removed from contact with the first endwall 462. In yet another embodiment the first side wall 464 is attachedto the first end wall 462 by a hinge.

In one embodiment, any simple rotation means known in the art can beutilized to mount the second side wall 468 to the second end wall 466.For example, the second side wall 468 can be attached to the second endwall 466 using a plurality of clips attached to the second end wall 466that grip the wire frame (or other grip points) of the second side wall468 and allow it to rotate. In other embodiments, other mounting meansare contemplated including removably mounting the second side wall 468such that it can be completely removed from contact with the second endwall 466. In yet another embodiment the second side wall 468 is attachedto the second end wall 466 by a hinge.

Once both side walls 464 and 468 are fully extending they can clip tothe opposite end walls 466 and 462, respectively. In one embodiment,simple clips are attached to the end walls 466 and 462 that can receivethe side walls 464 and 468 and can removably hold the side walls 464 and468 in position relative to the end walls 466 and 462. In anotherembodiment, catches can be disposed on the end walls 462 and 466 or onthe side walls 464 and 468 to grasp and hold the walls 462, 464, 466,and 468 together. In yet other embodiments, other methods of securingthe distal ends of the side walls 464 and 468 to the end walls 466 and462, respectively, are contemplated.

In an alternate embodiment, each side wall 464 and 468 can include twoor more side wall panels that are pivotally joined together such thatthe panels can fold or expand as needed. Furthermore, each side wall 464and 468 can further include a case hinge cut-out for receiving the hinge215 therethrough. In yet another embodiment, no hinge cut-out isnecessary as the side walls 464 and 468 can extend above the hinge 215as shown in FIG. 5.

In order to help further strengthen the organizer 400 in its openconfiguration, lockable bolts can be added to the short end walls 422and 432 as well as 424 and 434. The bolts can extend between the twowall sets and provide rigidity. Furthermore, additional collapsible wall460 clips can be added inside the bulwark walls to grasp and hold thecollapsible wall 460 when it is fully extended. In yet anotherembodiment, an internal slot could be built into the bulwark walls toaccept the extended collapsible wall 460.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of acollapsible cargo organizer 500, showing a fully extended collapsiblewall 560 containing cargo 590 that is further restrained through the useof a plurality of relocatable restraining poles 580 and 586.

The organizer 500 in the open position forms a substantially water-tighttray for holding cargo 590. To further secure the cargo 590, theorganizer 500 preferably includes a plurality of relocatable restrainingpoles 580 and 586. Each pole 580 and 586 is sized to fit between and befrictionally and/or mechanically retained by either the two side walls564 and 568 or the two end walls 562 and 566. Each pole 580 and 586 caninclude a clip similar to those discussed above which is attached to thepole and can clip to any of the walls 562, 564, 566, and 568. The clipscan be generally “C” shaped and can grip the wire frame or other grippoints on the walls 562, 564, 566, and 568. Furthermore, the top edge ofthe walls 562, 564, 566, and 568 could have a rubber-like stripextending along the edge in order to better retain snap-on clips. Inother embodiments, the clips at the ends of the poles can be configureddifferently.

In one embodiment, the two side walls 564 and 568 do not extend as highas the two end walls 562 and 566 such that two poles 580 and 586 can beinstalled so that they cross each other without interference. As such,each pole 580 and 586 may be engaged between opposing walls 562 and 566or 564 and 568 to strengthen the organizer 500 when in its openposition. Alternatively, both poles 580 and 586 can be installed betweenthe same pair of walls 562 and 566 or 564 and 568. In yet anotherembodiment, one of the poles 580 has extended clips that allow the poleto pass under the other pole 586 when both are used in conjunction onneighboring walls 562, 564, 566, and 568, all of which are of the sameheight. When the organizer 500 is closed, the poles 580 and 586 can beplaced within the organizer 500 for storage purposes.

In an alternate embodiment of the invention, each pole 580 and 586incorporates a piece of hook material on each end and various pieces ofcorresponding loop material are located on the inside surfaces of thewalls 562, 564, 566 and 568 for receiving the hook-material on the endsof the poles 580 and 586, thereby securing the poles 580 and 586 in setpositions. In yet other embodiments, other pole receiving means can beused to secure the restraining poles 580 and 586 to the walls 562, 564,566, and 568.

Each wall 562, 564, 566 and 568 may further include at least one baghandle hook (not shown) for retaining the handle of at least one grocerybag therein to keep the bag closed during transit. These hooks may beattached by hook and loop material or by any other suitable retainingmeans. In another embodiment, various straps of hook and look materialmay be used in place of, or in addition to, bag handle hooks.

FIG. 6 illustrates a close-up, perspective view of an exemplaryembodiment of a collapsible cargo organizer 600, showing one corner 669of a fully extended collapsible wall and highlighting a plurality ofclips 670. As discussed above, the clips 670 can serve a number of usesincluding removably attaching an end wall 662 to a side wall 668,attaching an end wall 662 to a case component 621, etc. In oneembodiment, the clips 670 are simple “C” shaped metal components thatflex open to receive the wire frame of a wall and then snap closedaround the frame. In other embodiments, other types of clips 670 can beused.

The above specification, examples and data provide a description of thestructure and use of exemplary embodiments of the described articles ofmanufacture and methods. Many embodiments can be made without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the invention.

1. A collapsible cargo organizer, comprising: a case comprising aplurality of case components, each case component including a basehaving a plurality of upwardly extending short walls at a peripherythereof forming a bulwark wall; each bulwark wall comprising at least afirst end short wall, a hinge short wall, and an outside short wall;each hinge short wall including a mutually-cooperating hinge means; thecase including at least one latch means; the case configurable into anopen position in which the bases of each case component are generallycoplanar, and a closed position in which one case component is rotatedabout the hinge means substantially 180 degrees until the bulwark wallsof each case component are brought substantially into mutual contact; acollapsible wall component comprising at least two end walls and atleast one side wall, each wall including an upper edge, a lower edge, aleft edge, a right edge, an inside surface, and an outside surface andwherein the at least one side wall can be swung out from one of the endwalls by a second hinge means configured along the right edge of the endwall and the left edge of the side wall; the collapsible wall componentconfigurable into a generally square-in-plan-view open configuration anda generally flat, collapsed configuration; whereby with the collapsiblewall component in the open configuration and positioned such that thelower edges of each wall thereof are in close proximity to the bulwarkwall of each case component, the case in the open position, theorganizer forms an open bin for holding cargo and the case forms awater-tight tray, and with the collapsible wall component in thecollapsed configuration and stored in the case, the case in the closedposition, the organizer is contained within the closed case.
 2. Theorganizer of claim 1 wherein the case includes a handle projecting froman outer surface of the bulwark walls thereof.
 3. The organizer of claim1 wherein the latch means includes a lever and a catch, such that thecatch is frictionally retained by the lever when the case is in theclosed position, the lever being manually actuated to release the catchto allow opening of the case.
 4. The organizer of claim 1 wherein eachcase component is structurally similar such that each case component maybe formed using the same mold.
 5. The organizer of claim 1 furtherincluding at least one restraining pole having two ends, the pole sizedto fit between and be frictionally retained by the walls of thecollapsible wall component.
 6. The organizer of claim 2 furtherincluding at least one restraining pole having two ends, the pole sizedto fit between and be frictionally retained by the walls of thecollapsible wall component.
 7. The organizer of claim 5 wherein the endof each pole further includes a clip for receiving and being retained bythe upper edges of each wall of the collapsible wall component, wherebyeach pole may be engaged between upper edges of opposing walls tostrengthen the organizer when the case and collapsible wall componentare in the open configuration.
 8. The organizer of claim 5 wherein theinside surface of each wall of the collapsible wall component includes aplurality of pole receiving means, each pole receiving means forreceiving one end of the pole.
 9. The organizer of claim 6 wherein theinside surface of each wall of the collapsible wall component includes aplurality of pole receiving means, each pole receiving means forreceiving one end of the pole.
 10. A collapsible cargo organizer,comprising: a case comprising a plurality of case components, each casecomponent including a base having a plurality of upwardly extendingshort walls at a periphery thereof forming a bulwark wall; each bulwarkwall comprising at least a first end short wall, a hinge short wall, andan outside short wall; each hinge short wall including amutually-cooperating hinge means; the case including at least one latchmeans; the case configurable into an open position in which the bases ofeach case component are generally coplanar, and a closed position inwhich one case component is rotated about the hinge means substantially180 degrees until the bulwark walls of each case component are broughtsubstantially into mutual contact; a collapsible wall componentcomprising at least a first and second end wall and at least a first andsecond side wall, each wall including an upper edge, a lower edge, aleft edge, a right edge, an inside surface, and an outside surface andwherein the first side wall can be swung out from the first end wall bya second hinge means configured along the right edge of the first endwall and the left edge of the first side wall and wherein the secondside wall can be swung out from the second end wall by a third hingemeans configured along the right edge of the second end wall and theleft edge of the second side wall; the right edge of the second sidewall is capable of being removably attached to the left edge of thefirst end wall via a first plurality of clips and the right edge of thefirst side wall is capable of being removably attached to the left edgeof the second end wall via a second plurality of clips; the collapsiblewall component configurable into a generally square-in-plan-view openconfiguration and a generally flat, collapsed configuration; wherebywith the collapsible wall component in the open configuration andpositioned such that the lower edges of each wall thereof are in closeproximity to the bulwark wall of each case component, the case in theopen position, the organizer forms an open bin for holding cargo and thecase forms a water-tight tray, and with the collapsible wall componentin the collapsed configuration and stored in the case, the case in theclosed position, the organizer is contained within the closed case. 11.The organizer of claim 10 wherein the case includes a handle projectingfrom an outer surface of the bulwark walls thereof.
 12. The organizer ofclaim 10 wherein the latch means includes a lever and a catch, such thatthe catch is frictionally retained by the lever when the case is in theclosed position, the lever being manually actuated to release the catchto allow opening of the case.
 13. The organizer of claim 10 wherein eachcase component is structurally similar such that each case component maybe formed using the same mold.
 14. The organizer of claim 10 furtherincluding at least one restraining pole having two ends, the pole sizedto fit between and be frictionally retained by the walls of thecollapsible wall component.
 15. The organizer of claim 11 furtherincluding at least one restraining pole having two ends, the pole sizedto fit between and be frictionally retained by the walls of thecollapsible wall component.
 16. The organizer of claim 14 wherein theend of each pole further includes a clip for receiving and beingretained by the upper edges of each wall of the collapsible wallcomponent, whereby each pole may be engaged between upper edges ofopposing walls to strengthen the organizer when the case and collapsiblewall component are in the open configuration.
 17. The organizer of claim14 wherein the inside surface of each wall of the collapsible wallcomponent includes a plurality of pole receiving means, each polereceiving means for receiving one end of the pole.
 18. The organizer ofclaim 15 wherein the inside surface of each wall of the collapsible wallcomponent includes a plurality of pole receiving means, each polereceiving means for receiving one end of the pole.